Updating & Expansion of Varsity Hall

Varsity Hall, the College's kitchen and dining facility, was built in 1959 to accommodate a student body of 200. Since then the number of students has increased by 75%. Additionally, health regulations have undergone considerable change, thus creating the need for modifications in food storage and handling in order to remain compliant. As a consequence of these factors, Varsity Hall now requires expansion and some new facilities for food handling, storage, preparation, and serving.

Student Activity Centre

Students have indicated that a larger Student Activity Centre is high on their priority list. Although each dormitory has a lounge for use by its residents, the experimental Student Activity Centre established last year in the basement of Edith Hall has proven to be very successful. It provides a place for students from all dormitories and classes to mix and socialize in an unstructured way. It proved to be so popular that the space originally allocated was quickly outgrown. Funds are therefore required to develop and equip a larger Student Activity Centre along with adjunct space which students can "call their own" and use as a home for the various councils and committees that are organized and run by the students themselves.

Consolidate & Upgrade Library & Information Technology Facilities- Creating a "Resource Centre"

Notre Dame has good library material, but space limitations cause it to be spread out in number of different buildings. Consolidation is needed to improve utilization of the material by students and teachers, as well as allow proper control of those valuable assets. The Archives/Museum building, which houses much of Notre Dame's priceless collection of rare books, is a great facility built by funds provided by alumni in Alberta and has become one of Saskatchewan's most popular museums. It is located in close proximity to the school's library, so collaborative expansion of each would provide a proper home for the remaining rare books now located in Lane Hall. The consolidation of the rest of the library material will provide the space and facilities to upgrade the computer, information technology, and audio-visual capabilities now required by teachers and students. Notre Dame has moved forward very positively in adapting and utilizing emerging technologies for the benefit of both teachers and students, and it is important that its standards and capabilities be maintained.

Living Arts Centre

Cultural programs have always been a strong component of the total education experience at Notre Dame, even though they have not received the same level of public awareness as the College's academic and athletic programs. Student interest in drama, music, and the arts in general is increasing with the result that the facilities for these programs, which are limited and severely dated, are in dire need of repair and replacement. A very significant donation of $1,000,000 has been received from an alumnus, his family and friends towards the construction of a new Living Arts Centre.